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Haunani at rest in Hanalei bay after my arrival

Haunani at rest in Hanalei bay after my arrival

ONE WEEK FROM TODAY!!!!!!!!!

June 25, 2016 by Margie Woods in personal reflection

I woke up this morning with a giddy sense of excitement and wonder…..I cannot believe that I leave ONE WEEK FROM TODAY! I just walked out on the porch and took in the beauty of the bay and the Golden Gate Bridge in the morning light. I said a little prayer of gratitude for how far I have come and all I have learned since I decided to take this on. And then I visualized Haunani and I sailing under the majestic beauty of that iconic landmark and out to sea.

I have been vacillating between excitement and nervousness…confidence and imposter syndrome…..centeredness and hurriedness….it has all (and then some) been a part of the journey so far. I am sure the nerves will kick in big time this week, but right now I feel really good. I feel resolved and ready. Despite my autopilot issue still being worked out, I have a sense of trust that all that is necessary will fall into place. I cannot feel any other way actually, because until now that is exactly what has happened. Every step of the way, the exact right solution, answer, repair, adventure (and so on) has fallen into place exactly as it was meant to. As I have said before, I have never felt so universally supported in any other endeavor in my life as I have in this one. I am so grateful to have experienced this support, because it has fostered in me a deep sense of trust in the flow of life. That’s not to say that will and intention have not had a huge role, because they have, but the seamless flow of all things leading to this day has supported those efforts and has been pretty awe inspiring.

The challenging moments have been an important part of the flow as well, because I have had to face some things in myself that are very necessary for my own growth and healing. I have had to face in a new way, my annoying and harmful (to self) tendency to allow my deep knowledge of myself and my inner strength to be put aside for the emotional comfort of another. I have finally realized on a deep level how unnecessary and unhealthy it is to do this or to make myself small (or throw myself under the bus) in the face of tough personalities or another's emotional needs. I have been called to stand firm in my beliefs when questioned and walk my own path no matter what forces were/are pulling at me.

The bottom line is that I have had to learn to find my own answers and my own way no matter what is going on around me, for this is no one’s journey but mine. I bow in deep gratitude to all of my friends and family who unconditionally support me in my goal (and even the ones that don’t), but when all is said and done, it is only me sailing off into the pacific. I suppose that is why I call this my vision quest, because every step of the way has been leading me to the necessary moment of pulling away from all extraneous energy and opinion and into my own truth and experience. I have been traveling towards this moment for my whole life, and I am so very grateful for the opportunity to get to truly be with myself and get to know myself in a way I can yet not fathom.

 

 

June 25, 2016 /Margie Woods
personal reflection
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sailing in 30 knots of breeze in the SF bay!

Lovely Friends

June 21, 2016 by Margie Woods in inspiration, practice sails, personal reflection

I am finally settling into a groove up here in the Bay Area. I am so blessed to have a safe haven at my brother and sister in law’s beautiful home in Tiburon while Haunani has her own little spot nearby. She is snuggled away at Paradise Cay Yacht Harbor, whose stewards have been beyond kind and generous to this wayward traveler! It is seriously a little slice of heaven and I am so lucky to be there! I am loving getting to know the bay and all of its nuances. Sailing here is definitely awesome and inspiring! Yesterday was my 1st solo sail up here, and it was definitely one for my personal record books. Vigilance and being on point were called for to a degree that I have never experienced. It was a great test of my skills and focus. The thing that struck me the most was the changeability and extremes. All of the land formations and the patterns they create are certainly interesting! I loved every moment, and am so grateful for this time to acclimate and practice before the big day.

I want to say a special thank you to my sweet and fierce soul sisters, Silvia and Gabi, who schlepped all the way up here last weekend from Venice in my truck to transport stuff and help me in my preparations. Their generosity and enthusiasm for my cause knows no bounds, and as much as I already knew this, this trip really took it to a new level. There was organizing, cleaning, anchor chain moving (no small feat in an old rickety wheel barrow), cooking, errand running, MUCH laughter, sailing…you name it. Logistics aside, the thing that I needed the most was their presence. Just having them here gave me such solace, and I am sure it was no mistake that they happened to be here when I had my hardest day to date in this whole adventure. My autopilot started acting up again, and as a result, I was stricken with severe anxiety, to the point that my stomach was in knots and I would burst into tears at the drop of a hat. I could barely focus on conversations because I was so consumed with worry (this is not like me either). That of course opened a can of worms that revealed all of the hidden anxieties about what I am about to take on. Along with my baby brother (who is a total rock), they helped me through a really tough couple of days with tenderness, kindness and some tough love to boot. I am so grateful!

Saying goodbye to my friends was really hard, but by providing me such a safe place to process all of my fears and let down a little (not to mention have some fun), they left me feeling ready to take it all on again! I will definitely be taking them with me on my journey!

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June 21, 2016 /Margie Woods
inspiration, practice sails, personal reflection
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Rich steering Haunani through Racoon Straights

Rich steering Haunani through Racoon Straights

We're Not in Marina Del Rey Anymore!

June 17, 2016 by Margie Woods in practice sails

I just returned from my first sail in the San Francisco Bay with Haunani! I was happy and grateful to be accompanied by Rich Tofte, who is an experienced SF bay sailor. It was so nice to finally meet and sail with Rich after getting to know each other through cyber space over the past six months. A dear childhood friend of mine introduced us via Facebook (prompted by our mutual love of sailing), and we have become fast friends. Rich’s support and expertise have been really helpful on my journey, and today was certainly no exception.

We left the slip around 1pm, and it was a real adventure. Between my new folding prop and the stiff SF breeze, leaving the dock was a big challenge for me. Not only am I not used to maneuvering in wind like this, but my boat does not react the way she used to (and this is only the 3rd time I have taken her off a dock since the new prop was installed). It was not pretty at all, but the good news is I did not hit anything, and I had Rich there to help just in case.

Once we got out of our squirrelly little marina, everything was great. We reefed right off the bat, and stayed that way throughout our sail. The wind was a steady 18-22 knots, and at one point was up to 30. It was very exciting, and Haunani handled it like a champ, as always. Sailing with Rich was seamless; in fact it felt so easy and relaxed, and as though we had sailed together many times. Sailing in the SF bay is a different ball of wax than sailing in Santa Monica Bay, to say the least. There is big wind, current, tides and ferries flying by, not to mention the fog that rolled in so fast at one point that we could hardly see anything in front of us. Through all of it, I kept thinking to myself: “you’re not in Marina Del Rey anymore”. I can see why everyone always says that bay area sailors are so solid. There is a lot afoot to test one’s skills, and it is not leisurely day sailing, that’s for sure.

I had an exhilarating time out there, and despite my debacle of a departure form the dock, I felt pretty solid and comfortable in my new surroundings. Our return to the slip was thankfully uneventful, and with the help of Rich, I tucked Haunani in and washed her off after her big adventure. I am very excited for more San Francisco Bay sailing!

June 17, 2016 /Margie Woods
practice sails
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arriving under the Golden Gate Bridge! 

arriving under the Golden Gate Bridge! 

San Francisco!!

June 15, 2016 by Margie Woods in boat prep, journeys

I am writing this post from my brother’s home in Tiburon, CA.  I have been here many times, but until now had only ever arrived by plane or car. My arrival to the bay area this time will never be forgotten. Haunani, my trusty crew (Thomas Lehtonen and Piño Moreau), and I passed under the breathtaking Golden Gate Bridge on Monday morning after traveling 400 miles up the coast in 2.5 days.

I had been gearing up to make this journey for days (well, months really), and preparations were coming along well, if not getting a little down to the wire. Our projected departure date was the following Wednesday evening. We were watching the weather carefully, as this trip is renowned for its treacherous and uncomfortable conditions. On Friday morning, Thomas got a call from one of his friends who is an experienced captain, who was watching the weather for us. He reported that a perfect weather window had developed and that we should leave that day. Thomas and I looked at the weather together and saw the changes of which his friend spoke. The next 3 days were beyond perfect for this trip….almost too good to be true. Not only that, if we waited, and left when planned, we would be faced with huge winds and rough conditions. We (along with my friends Cecile and Whitall on Cecile’s boat, Aeriagnie) decided in about 5 minutes to leave that night. The mayhem that ensued is now a blur, but it was indeed mayhem. We finished a few things on the boat, provisioned, filled fuel cans, packed (me for 1.5 months), and cast off from my slip at 10pm. I could not have made this happen without my amazing friends Gabi and Silvia who rallied (as they always do) beyond the call of duty to help me on my way.

We left Marina Del Rey on a beautiful Friday night after one of the most spectacular sunsets I have seen in a long time. The trip that ensued could not have been more wonderful. Under the guidance of Thomas who has done this trip many times, we made our way safely and efficiently up the coast with only one stop in Santa Barbara for fuel. We had beautifully calm conditions, and encountered different types of whales, dolphins, and glowing jelly fish along the way. Rounding the potentially treacherous Point Conception was a breeze, and for that I was very grateful! The sunsets were spectacular as was the company. Piño and Thomas kept me in stitches the whole way, and were perfect crew-mates!

We motored for the entire trip except for a couple ambitious attempts to sail (one with an almost catastrophic spinnaker hoist in which Thomas saved the day with his mad skills). Haunani sang along the whole time with her newly tuned motor running like a charm. We arrived at the entrance to the bay around 10am on Monday under chilly overcast skies. Approaching and then crossing under The Golden Gate Bridge took my breath away. I could not believe that I was there crossing under that beautiful landmark on my own boat!

My sweet brother called me as we passed Tiburon town and was on the beach waiving at us and taking photos! He later greeted us at our marina, which will be Haunani’s home for the next 2 weeks as I prepare for the final push to the start of The Singlehanded Transpac!

I bid goodbye to Thomas and Piño on Tuesday afternoon, after a half day of hard work on my boat, and to be honest, I was a bit of a wreck. Saying goodbye to Thomas after working almost every day by his side for the past 9 months was emotional to say the least. His expertise and support in this endeavor have been my lifeline. I guess the reality of letting go of that tether was a bit overwhelming. I know it is necessary for me to be on my own with this now, and I embrace it, but I would be lying if I said it wasn’t a challenge.

Being here has made the reality of what I am about to do hit home like never before. Over the past few days, I have vacilated between excitement and nervousness on a regular basis. I find that I have to take a lot of deep breaths as I look ahead to July 2. I am feeling strong and positive, and as always am feeling so grateful for my amazing support team, friends and family! I would not be here with out each of you by my side!

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June 15, 2016 /Margie Woods
boat prep, journeys
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Down To The Wire!

June 04, 2016 by Margie Woods in boat prep, personal reflection

I am amazed at how time is flying by. It is June 4, and the boat is abuzz with activity and the completion of lists upon lists upon lists. Yesterday Haunani was full of industrious people on and around her all day. Thomas replaced my steering cables, and finished wiring my hydro-generator (among countless other things he always does to help everyone else). Dylan and Brian finished replacing the standing rigging, SIlvia scurried around taking photos and helping wherever she was needed. Scott and I made lee cloths. Everyone was focused and moving all day. At one point I stopped and surveyed the scene around me. As I watched everyone so intent on accomplishing their respective projects, I was hit with such a surge of gratitude for all of the people that have come together to get Haunani and me ready for this big adventure. The gratitude I feel grows every day as I feel the reality of what I am about to do hits me in waves (they get bigger all the time). This morning I rode a huge wave.

It is June 4 already! How can that be? I am leaving here in less than 10 days to head up to San Francisco. So much has been done, and there is still so much to do before that day. I am surrounded by lists and send myself about 10 emails a day reminding myself of this or that. My brain is over-full with everything from logistics to the emotions I am feeling as July 2 rapidly approaches. In the midst of that, I am trying to breathe and be fully in each moment no matter how busy I get or how pressed I feel. These are precious times, and this time of preparation is every bit as important as the journey itself. In fact this IS the journey itself. The journey encompasses so much, and I am so happy to be experiencing every part of it with every fiber of my being.

Here are some scenes from yesterday on Haunani.....

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June 04, 2016 /Margie Woods
boat prep, personal reflection
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One Month Out!!!!!!!!!

June 01, 2016 by Margie Woods in boat prep, personal reflection

I can hardly believe that I am THIS close to leaving from San Francisco! Everything seems to be in fast forward mode and is so surreal, yet I am interestingly calm. I feel settled and resolute. Yes, I am nervous, and there are still a few question marks, but all in all, I am ready. There are still many furious boat projects going on, and I imagine they will continue until the day I shove off. I keep seeing Hanalei Bay in my minds eye though, and that vision keeps me chugging forward, trusting that all I need to do and know will become clear and available at the perfect time. This keeps proving to be true, so I have no choice but to trust it! An example of this was the issue of getting my boat home from Hawaii. I have been scrambling to figure out a plan (and truthfully was starting to get a tad stressed), and through the support of so many people, a solution gracefully materialized yesterday, and within about 2 hours everything was solved. My boat is being shipped back from Kauai directly to LA! Done and done! We leave in about 2 weeks to head up the coast, and I imagine at that point reality will really hit me. Until then, I am keeping my head down and living and breathing all things Haunani.

My gratitude for all of those that support me in this adventure is so deep. There are so many people both known and unknown that continuously offer ideas, solutions, support, cheerleading and beyond. Thomas certainly remains at the top of this list. He continues to go above and beyond in every way, and has truly been my rock through all of this. I don’t know that I will ever be able to adequately express the peace and strength that his support has given me. I also want to shout out to my friends and family who have had to deal with my single-mindedness over the past 9 months. Thank you all for dealing with my scatterbrain with grace and compassion (and for issuing a million hall passes for my oversights and distraction). I love you all!

June 01, 2016 /Margie Woods
boat prep, personal reflection

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